By statute (RCW 43.105.245 and RCW 43.105.255) the OCIO is required to approve and monitor all major IT projects occurring in any executive branch agency or institution. (See Oversight requirements – Appendix F)

By statute (3ESSB 5034; Section 944) the OCIO is also required to provide web-based transparency into the documents that support approval and oversight of these projects. (See Reporting requirements – Appendix G)

Investments that are not considered major may still require OCIO approval. Agencies must contact the OCIO to determine if OCIO approval is needed if any of the following apply:

The investment is not consistent with the state’s IT strategic plan

The investment does not follow OCIO approved technical standards

The investment is not consistent with the agency’s IT architecture

The investment duplicates or competes with an existing system or service provided or offered by another state agency

The investment is a private sector strategic partnership

The investment is an academic strategic partnership for a business or administrative application

A limited number of IT projects have been identified as Information Technology Investment Pool (IT Pool) projects. These projects follow a unique set of gated funding requirements defined by the Legislature. If you have questions about an IT Pool project, please contact an OCIO consultant (OCIOConsultants@OCIO.wa.gov) for guidance.